If I may be so bold, let me ask you a question: Are more daily Masses a part of your upcoming Lenten resolutions?
Because if they aren't, pull up a chair and let me try and encourage you otherwise. (If they are, pull up a chair anyway.)
We’ve all heard the depressing statistics regarding the small percentage of Catholics who actually believe the Eucharist to be the Real Presence.
It’s shocking, for sure.
But as we approach the season of Lent, perhaps a more uncomfortable question arises: What about those of us who know it’s Jesus being offered on the altar; those of us who gladly proclaim our belief in his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity and wring our hands about those who don’t?
Are we receiving the Lord as often as our lives allow?
I realize that everyone’s circumstances are different and life presents a lot of challenges, but let’s try and put this in perspective.
Imagine if you were the greatest doctor in the world, knew the answer to every medical problem, and could heal any disease.
Not only that, but you had offices in every neighborhood around the world, they were open every day, and your services were totally free. Do you think you would ever have any downtime?
Of course not. Your offices would be more packed than an Irish bar on St. Patrick's Day.
And if you're wondering, "Where in the world is he going with this?", here it is:
Instead of merely gaining relief from temporary physical maladies from a fictional super-doctor, you and I have the opportunity to meet with the God of the universe who wants to give us peace, joy, happiness, healing — everything he’s got, forever!
All we have to do is go to Mass!
Brothers and sisters, the reality is that we need to get to the Eucharist and receive “the medicine of immortality” as often as we possibly can.
The Sunday obligation is just that, an obligation. It’s the low bar.
But love isn’t about obligation. If we really know what’s really being offered, we should be ecstatic to have the opportunity to become “partakers of the divine nature” of God (2 Pt 1:4). He’s literally sharing his divinity with us!
And that gift isn’t simply a once-a-week event.
Don’t forget that Jesus taught us to ask the Father for “our daily bread.”
Following his lead, Saint Ambrose asks a very pointed question: “If it is ‘daily’ bread, then why do you take it so infrequently? Take daily what will help you daily. And live so that you deserve to receive it daily. He who does not deserve to receive it daily does not deserve to receive it once a year.”
Yes, it’s not easy.
There are often days that I simply don’t feel like going. I’m tired. The kids are whiny. The weather isn’t great. The Mass time is inconvenient.
And to add a little salt in the wound, lots of times even when I get there, it isn’t the most “heavenly” of experiences. (Trust me, I can provide you a very detailed description of our parish cry room and the sometimes ear-piercing noises that emanate from it:).
Even so, just like a family member or friend really appreciates it when you show up in spite of difficulty, realize that the Lord absolutely loves the fact that you simply showed up to be with him at Mass.
Of course, a lot of people don’t have many available opportunities for daily Mass.
Whether it’s because of work or other obligations, it just isn’t possible for them to receive our Lord other than on Sunday. If that’s your situation, then try to spend some extra time in prayer and make a spiritual communion.
It’s extremely beneficial and will help propel you up the divine ladder.
But for those who have the opportunity, I would highly encourage you to see if you can get to even one more Mass per week…or two if you’re feeling motivated:).
It can transform your life.
And speaking of motivation, when I’m struggling to decide whether or not to make the effort to go (and it happens more often than I’d like to admit), I try to look at, or think about, a crucifix.
I try to focus on the fact that Christ was willing to be humiliated, beaten, bloodied, and ultimately crucified so that I might have the opportunity to receive him and be saved.
The question then becomes, “What am I willing to do for him?”
God bless you,
Matthew
P.S. Be sure to sign up for my brand new series on the Mass - streaming FREE this Lent! Click Here to register now!
